First came the original GriGri prototype, then the GriGris 1 and 2, and now finally, Petzl’s 2017 GriGri + … the next iteration of what many rock climbers consider the world’s greatest belay device.

The much anticipated GriGri + from Petzl comes at a time where numerous other assisted-braking belay options have entered the climbing market …

In the past year alone, the Mad Rock Lifeguard belay device, as well as other new competing technologies, including the Wild Country Revo, were showcased and praised at the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Show. Another relatively new product, the Trango Vergo, has also been highly regarded.



In a market where consumers are provided with more belay options than ever before, Petzl aims to solidify their role as crafting the most highly regarded assisted-braking device in the world.

So what exactly makes the GriGri + different? Let’s take a look.

Key features

Petzl’s all new GriGri + retains the same trusted structure and functionality as the GriGri, but with a few extra features, mainly intended to improve the safety margin for newer belayers.

1. Anti-panic function

The most noteworthy update to the original GriGri structure is the addition of an anti-panic function in the handle, which causes the device to lock if a belayer pulls too hard on the handle while lowering a climber. This is particularly helpful when someone is new to using a GriGri and still gaining a feel for how the lowering mechanism works.

grigri+

2. Lead climbing + top rope climbing modes

The next major change is that that GriGri + features two modes of operation: a lead climbing mode and a top rope climbing mode. What exactly does that entail?

In lead mode, the spring tension will function like the current GriGri; smooth feeding with less braking on the rope.

Alternatively, top rope mode—which can be locked into place—offers a distinct spring tension that ensures locking on the rope, even with minimal rope tension. Essentially, this is a matter of how sensitive the GriGri is to braking on the rope and top rope mode—which offers higher sensitivity—helps to prevent extra slippage of the rope through the device.

GriGri +

3. Greater rope range

The GriGri + also offers a wider rope diameter range: now spanning from 8.5-11mm ropes (although it is optimized for 8.9-10.5mm ropes).

Is the GriGri + right for you?

If you’re already the proud owner of a GriGri 2, this new option might not add too much to your repertoire. With that said, the new features of the GriGri + make it ideal for new, beginner climbers still learning the proper principles of belaying.

This will also likely become a standard tool for climbing gyms. Given the beat down belay devices in gyms generally get from their consistent and oftentimes amateur usage, incorporation of the GriGri + should lessen accidents in indoor environments.


Buy The New GriGri +

GriGri +



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